Opposition coalition vows to block “selling” of Faafu atoll

The Maldives United Opposition slammed the government on Monday, vowing they will stop the state’s plans to sell Faafu Atoll to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to the press after MUO’s Shadow Cabinet meeting, the Shadow Civil Rights Minister, Hassan Latheef noted that, amidst rumours, the government has not yet revealed any details of the expected project. However, he reiterated that if any such events take place, the project will be stopped by MUO.

Latheef further highlighted that the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group is trying to re-amend the amendment brought to the Constitution which allows foreign entities to freehold Maldivian lands.

The constitutional amendment allowing freehold of lands was passed by the approval of both government aligned lawmakers as well as some MDP parliament members.

It is rumoured that a part of Faafu Atoll is being sold to the Saudi Royal Family. However, the Cabinet Ministers and government aligned lawmakers have denied such claims.